日本語はこちら Update 2023: Matsuontoko is now known as Ain Soph Journey Kyoto (catchy!) — but it is still a vegan restaurant serving delicious burgers, curries and kara-age! Though there are quite a large number of vegetarian establishments in Kyoto, most of them are located in the north of the city, and the few there are in the city center tend to sell nothing that isn't … [Read more...] about Ain Soph Journey Kyoto (Formerly Matsuontoko) – Vegan Burger Cafe
Natural Food
Falafel Garden
A couple of weeks ago we went to check out the new location for Falafel Garden. A short walk north of Demachiyanagi on Kawabata, this new shop opened on April 28th. The old Falafel Garden was always a popular spot, but I think I like this new one even more. It's bigger, more comfortable, they have a nice big garden out the back and if you are lucky you can snag a balcony seat … [Read more...] about Falafel Garden
Kamo’s All You Can Eat Veggie Buffet
Now that Obanzai's organic buffet is closing, it is good to know that there are alternatives. Kamo serves up all organic locally grown vegetables in all kinds of tasty combinations. They take pride in the fact their vegetables are 都野菜 or "Miyako vegetables" which means they are truly local. Apparently the famed label 京野菜 - "Kyo yasai" does not always guarantee that the veggies … [Read more...] about Kamo’s All You Can Eat Veggie Buffet
On Herbs, Serendipity & Fair Trade in Kyoto
Za'Atar is an Arabic spice mix "made from mixing dried za'atar leaves together with varying combinations of other spices such as sesame seeds, thyme, marjoram, sumac and more." We bought a jar at the IDRO Japan charity sale last year, and then found ourselves wondering what to do with it. I can't remember who donated it, but they suggested we mix it with olive oil and use it as … [Read more...] about On Herbs, Serendipity & Fair Trade in Kyoto
Woodnote
I had my supper at Woodnote last night; a big plate of sarnies and two bottles of Guinness. And they were tasty. I really like this place. There are a lot of bars and cafes in Kyoto that are dedicated to a particular kind of music; jazz, soul, rock or blues... and finding these places always gives me a real kick. But Woodnote is something else. It's a "99.9%" (says the … [Read more...] about Woodnote
Hale ~晴~
Hidden away in the heart of the bustling market on Nishiki Dori is a tiny little alleyway that leads to Hale (晴). This is a fully organic and vegan restaurant, specializing in seasonal dishes, yuba tofu and Kyoto's famously distinctive vegetables. For lunch you can have a set meal or the "Special Lunch" which costs a bit more. I settled for the standard set lunch which you can … [Read more...] about Hale ~晴~
Mole
On Gokomachi Dori, just a little north of Oike Dori and just removed from the hubbub of the city, is a little corner of peace-of-mind: the ambient cafe Mole. The entrance is wreathed in greenery and looks for all the world like a flower shop. Enter and be greeted by the sound of chimes. Everything here; the plants, the decor, the music and the softly spoken staff, all are … [Read more...] about Mole
In Search of… Natural Food
Here is a short list of locations where you can get hold of natural food supplies and other earth friendly products while in Kyoto. It is far from exhaustive I’m sure, so if you know of any other places you think should be up here, write and tell me in the comments box below. Natural Foods Donguri is a small shop on Kitaoji that is packed full of goodies. In addition to … [Read more...] about In Search of… Natural Food
Earth Kitchen Company
Earth Kitchen Company on Marutamachi offers Japanese “Obento” lunch-boxes that are completely natural, chemical-free and super-nutritious. They have a variety of lunch-boxes on offer; meat-based, fish-based and tofu-based and all are priced at 950 yen (except "today's bento" which is 930 yen). In addition to the tofu lunchboxes, vegetarians can also enjoy the veggie salad … [Read more...] about Earth Kitchen Company
